Section 194S : TDS on payment on transfer of virtual digital asset

TDS on virtual digital assets: payers must deduct tax at source on transfers with strict reporting and compliance obligations.

Any person paying consideration to a resident for transfer of a virtual digital asset must deduct tax at source; responsibility depends on transaction type (OTC buyer, exchange, broker, buyer, or contractual allocation). The withholding rate is one percent for resident payees, with higher rates where PAN is not furnished or return-filing conditions apply. Deduction is at credit or payment, whichever is earlier, including intra-day trades and credits to suspense accounts. Payers must ensure tax is paid before releasing consideration paid wholly or partly in kind. Prescribed remittance, statement and certificate forms and due dates apply; failures attract interest, penalties and potential prosecution.